Teachers College Community School Policy for Use of Cell Phones, Computing Devices, and Portable Music and Entertainment Systems on School Property

Students are permitted to bring the following electronic items to school:

Cell phones

Laptops, tablets, iPads and other similar computing devices

Portable music and entertainment systems, such as iPods, MP3 players, PSP, and Nintendo DS.

The use of cell phones, computing devices and portable music and entertainment systems at school is subject to the restrictions below.

Cell phones and portable music and entertainment systems may not be turned on or used during the administration of any school quiz, test or examination, except where such use has been explicitly authorized by the school or is contained in an Individualized Education Program or Section 504 Accommodation Plan.

Use of cell phones, computing devices, portable music and entertainment systems and other electronic devices during the administration of state standardized examinations is governed by State Education Department Rules.

Cell phones, computing devices and portable music and entertainment systems may not be turned on or used during school fire drills or other emergency preparedness exercises.

Cell phones, computing devices, and portable music and entertainment systems may not be used in locker rooms or bathrooms.

Cell phones may be used as set forth below (select applicable option(s) or select other options consistent with Regulation A-413).

During the school day:

Cell phones may not be turned on or used while on school property.

Cell phones may not be used in areas where swimming pools are located.

Cell phones may not be turned on or used during instructional time.

Cell phones may not be turned on or used during after-school, school-sponsored programs or activities.

Computing devices may be used as set forth below (select applicable option(s) or select other options consistent with Regulation A-413).

During the school day:

Computing devices may not be used in areas where swimming pools are located.

Computing systems may not be turned on or used during instructional time, except for instructional and educational purposes with the explicit approval of the teacher.

Computing systems may be turned on and used only during instructional time for instructional and educational purposes.

Portable music and entertainment systems may be used as set forth below (select applicable option(s) or select other options consistent with Regulation A-413).

During the school day:

Portable music and entertainment systems may not be used in areas where swimming pools are located.

Portable music devices and entertainment systems may not be turned on or used while on school property.

Portable music devices and entertainment systems may not be turned on or used during instructional time, except for instructional and educational purposes with the explicit approval of the teacher.

Portable music devices and entertainment systems may not be turned on or used during During after-school, school-sponsored activities:

Confiscation and return of electronic items

School-based policies must describe the procedures for the confiscation, storage and return of electronic devices. In determining whether to confiscate an electronic device, schools should consider the nature of the violation. Where appropriate, measures should be instituted in a progressive fashion. Such measures may include, but are not limited to:

one warning

confiscation of item and return at end of school day, after parent is contacted

confiscation of item and return following parent conference

confiscation of item and return following student entering into behavioral contract

revocation of privilege to bring item to school

Discipline

School-based policies must state that students who use cell phones, computing devices, and/or portable music and entertainment system in violation of any provision of the DOE’s Discipline Code, the school’s policy, Chancellor's Regulation A-413, and/or the DOE’s Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy (“ISUSP”) will be subject to discipline in accordance with the guidance interventions and disciplinary responses set forth in the Discipline Code.

TCCS

Teachers College Community School (TCCS) was established in 2011 through a partnership of Teachers College (TC), Columbia University and the New York City Department of Education. It is a non-selective, choice public elementary school that gives priority to families residing in Community School Districts 5 and 6. The school adds a grade level each year and at full capacity TCCS will serve students in grades Pre-K through 8.